Sealdah Court sentences Sanjay Rai to life imprisonment in the rape and murder case of a trainee female doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The BJP questioned the Bengal government.
RG Kar Case: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday decided to hear the CBI, the victim's family, and the convict before deciding whether to accept the West Bengal government's appeal challenging the lower court's sentence in the case of rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at RG Kar Hospital. The next hearing in this case will be on January 27th.
High Court's Decision on the State Government's Appeal
The High Court stated that it would hear arguments from the CBI, the victim's family, and the convict's lawyer before hearing the state government's appeal. State Advocate General Kishore Dutta sought the death penalty for the convict, Sanjay Rai, arguing that life imprisonment was inadequate. Dutta requested the court to accept the appeal, claiming that besides the prosecution agency, the victim's family, and the convict, the state also has the right to challenge the sentence's duration.
CBI's Opposition
The CBI opposed the state government's plea, stating that the West Bengal government does not have the right to appeal against the lower court's order on the grounds of 'inadequacy'. Appearing for the CBI, Deputy Solicitor General Rajdeep Mazumdar said the CBI had requested the lower court to award the death penalty to Rai.
Life Imprisonment for the Convict in Rape and Murder Case
The Sealdah court sentenced Sanjay Rai to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a doctor on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. Following this verdict, BJP leaders questioned the Bengal government and highlighted the need for the state government to appeal to the High Court. On August 13, 2024, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the case investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI.
